RETIREE PLACEBO

Comment

Comment by Paul Combs on June 12, 2010 at 11:27am

Chief Halton and I seldom agree on politics, but in this case, I tend to side with him - to an extent. Though I believe that our Fed Gov and those who are elected to "serve" our interests do have a role in health care, especially when it comes to the under privileged and uninsured - I do NOT want them making my choices or telling me who I can receive health care from. There's no question that insanity is running ramped in Washington, whether it be the roughshod Bush years, Capitol Hill, or the aimless Obama administration - real change is obviously needed. And in regards to Chief Halton's statement "But I do think we need to elect brighter more dedicated and more ethical people to public office." - good luck, there! Unless these incredibly intelligent, ethical, and qualified people are among the (B)Millionaire club, you'll never see their name on any ballot (not for long, anyway). The ol' saying that "anyone can be President", doesn't apply by today's standards!!

Not sure what the answer is, smarter people than me will have to figure that one out - I hope.

Comment by Mike France on June 12, 2010 at 10:49am

As Always great and true

Comment by John K. Murphy on June 8, 2010 at 5:50pm

The big issue for many of retirement age is that the government is already into our healthcare system and the new health care legislation will either make it better for us all or it will get worse for many of us. Bobby, I know that you are not there yet but if you're in your 60's Medicare and Medicaid are the only choice unless you have a nice pension or private insurance benefits. Health care rationing is also occurring in those programs as well. It becomes extremely problematic if you have work exposure induced medical issues and the symptoms only recently appeared. How do you prove an on-the-job nexus? It takes a lawyer to figure out its programs and provisions. Many pension based health care systems will require you to enroll in the government programs after your reach that magic age of 65. That will cut their costs – a program you paid into for your entire career and when you need it, it deflates like a leaky balloon. I always remember the old saw, “we’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Well HELP!!!

Comment by John K. Murphy on June 8, 2010 at 10:00am

After 32 years of active duty with the fire service, and in retirement, (not violating HIPAA) I have had two hips replaced, a hernia repair and one eye surgery that resulted in a lens replacement and take inhalers for asthma. Yes I wore a breathing apparatus, yes I kept my weight down, yes I wore eye protection; no I did not drink or smoke to excess or chew tobacco; yes I exercised every day, ate well and took vitamins and I thank god for excellent retired medical insurance. All of those previous problems are doing OK but my asthma condition requires twice daily medication. These drugs alone cost $235.00 per inhaler and I don’t have to make the hard decision between food and medications because of pension medical insurance. What of our brothers and sisters who are “worn down” by their duty and can’t afford the basics of life? There must be some relief in the form of a pension or an exception for prescription and health care costs for those providing a public service.

An EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATION that says so much. Thank you